Have you observed the growing trend of TifEagle turf (a fine‐textured ultradwarf bermudagrass) being embraced in greens renovation? For instance, at Saddlebrook Resort, Bellair Country Club, etc.
The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale (36-hole golf resort) has recently undergone a remarkable refinement project to elevate the playability of its iconic North Course.
With great excitement, the North Course reopened for play on Monday, October 13, inviting golfers to experience its renewed charm and challenge.
During the five-month project, crews restored green surfaces to their original shape and size. They resurfaced them with TifEagle turf, mirroring the green surfaces on the Boulders’ South Course (which completed a greens renovation project in 2022).
TifEagle turf is an ultra-dwarf hybrid grass that offers improved speed, consistency, and playability as well as smooth transitions during seasonal weather changes.
TifEagle does not require overseeding, which traditionally takes place in October in Arizona, further supporting the region’s water stewardship efforts.
In addition to the greens renovation, the project included improvements to all tee boxes, laser leveling, and resurfacing tee boxes across the North Course, and all tee boxes on the par-four and par-five holes of the South Course.
The North Course enhancement project is an exciting step forward, following the successful completion of several renovation initiatives at Boulders over the past three years.
This includes
- notable bunker renovations on both courses,
- the installation of new pump stations,
- the renovation of greens on the South Course, and
- the resurfacing of the practice putting green.
Recent improvements at Boulders also feature
- engaging new fall programs at the Boulders Golf Academy,
- the addition of 12 new pickleball courts, and
- fall clinics at the Boulders Tennis & Pickleball Garden.
Additionally, the appointment of David Benham as the Director of Golf Course Operations brings strong leadership, as he now oversees all golf programs, pro shop operations, course maintenance, the Tennis & Pickleball Garden, and the Boulders Club Membership.
Who is TifEagle turfgrass suitable for?
TifEagle is especially suited for golf clubs that meet the following conditions:
- Warm‐season climate / ample sunlight
- TifEagle is a warm‐season grass (hybrid bermudagrass) developed in Georgia for putting greens in warm climates.
- It performs best under strong light. In research, TifEagle required a daily light integral (DLI) of ~30–33 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ to maintain high quality turf.
- Clubs in full‐sun, southern regions (e.g., southern US, parts of Asia, etc.) are ideal.
- Greens rather ten fairways/tees
- TifEagle is primarily used for the putting greens, not typically fairways or tees (unless those are exceptionally high‐end and low‐cut). For example, many sources say “used on golf greens and other areas requiring mowing heights of 6 mm or less”.
- Use of TifEagle comes with high maintenance demands: very frequent mowing, precise nutrient/water management, verticutting, topdressing, thatch control, etc.
- The club needs to have staff, equipment and budget aligned for such work.